Countertop extension system

ABSTRACT

A countertop extension system includes a countertop extension assembly including a tray portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first-leg, and a second-leg. The tray portion is substantially planar and has a rectangular-shaped body which provides users with a restaurant device capable of extending his/her eating surface over a bar rail, thereby preventing food from falling onto the bar, bar rail, or a patron&#39;s clothing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/321,682 filed Apr. 12, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of trays and more specifically relates to a countertop extension system.

2. Description of Related Art

Eating is the ingestion of food, typically to provide a heterotrophic organism with energy and to allow for growth. Animals and other heterotrophs must eat in order to survive. Carnivores eat other animals, herbivores eat plants, and omnivores consume a mixture of both plant and animal matter. For humans, eating is an activity of daily living. It is desirable to do so in the company of friends, family, or associates, also in eating establishments such as restaurants and/or bars. Eating and drinking at a bar can be difficult. People sitting on barstools or high-up chairs near the bar counter often have to lean over the bar in order to place food or drink in their mouth. Further, if a person chooses to not lean over, he/she is putting their clothing at risk; if a piece of messy food or drink is dropped, the customer's clothing may be soiled. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,312 to Donald J. Norton relates to a bar rail comfort tray. The described bar rail comfort tray includes a bar rail comfort tray that having a flat rectangular-shaped tray portion, a pair of short front legs, and a pair of long rear legs. The flat rectangular-shaped tray portion has a pair of skewed front corners and a pair of skewed rear corners. Each of the pair of short front legs extend downwardly from each of the pair of skewed front corners of the flat rectangular-shaped tray portion and have a shaped free end. Each of the pair of long rear legs extend downwardly from each of the pair of skewed rear corners of the flat rectangular-shaped tray portion and have a flat free end. and, when the bar rail comfort tray is positioned on a bar rail of a conventional bar, the flat rectangular-shaped tray portion is substantially on a top of the bar rail of the conventional bar, the shaped free end of each of the pair of short front legs rests on a shaped front of the bar rail of the conventional bar, and the pair of long rear legs are behind a rear of the bar rail of the conventional bar with the flat free end of each of the pair of long rear legs resting on the conventional bar.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known tray art, the present disclosure provides a novel countertop extension system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide users with a restaurant device capable of extending his/her eating surface over a bar rail (more proximate the patron), thereby preventing food from falling onto the bar, bar rail, or a patron's clothing.

A countertop extension system is disclosed herein. The countertop extension system includes a countertop extension assembly including a tray portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first-leg, and a second-leg; the legs horizontally-placed. The countertop extension system comprises the countertop extension assembly. The countertop extension assembly comprises the tray portion, the first-leg, and the second-leg in functional combination. The tray portion is substantially planar and preferably comprises a rectangular-shaped body (other shapes may be used). In a preferred embodiment, the tray portion may comprise rounded-edges, a length of approximately 13 inches, and a width of approximately 9 inches.

The first-leg is located at a rear on the bottom surface of the tray portion and comprises a greater height than the second-leg configured to grip an outer edge of a bar counter (contoured for this profile). The first-leg and second-leg preferably comprise a rectangular prism shaped structure. The second-leg is located at a front on the bottom surface of the tray portion and comprises a height greater than the inner edge of the bar counter configured to grip an inner edge of the bar counter. In a preferred embodiment, the first-leg and the second-leg are inset from an outer perimeter of the tray portion. However, in other embodiments the first-leg and the second-leg may be flush with the outer perimeter of the tray portion. The first-leg and the second leg are parallel to one another in preferred embodiments.

The tray portion, the first-leg, and the second-leg preferably comprise a material selected from the group consisting of wood and plastic; other materials such as composites may be used. For example the present invention may comprise wood and be stained to match the bar counter. The tray portion is configured to be positioned on the bar counter during an in-use condition for providing a countertop extension system for a user. The countertop extension assembly maintains a planar position parallel to the bar counter (slightly elevated above) during the in-use condition. As designed the top surface of the tray portion is configured as a dinnerware and utensil setting support. The countertop extension assembly, when positioned during the in-use condition, occupies a plane above the bar counter. The tray portion when positioned during the in-use condition extends towards (is positioned closer to) the user allowing for more convenient use of the dinnerware and the utensil settings.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a countertop extension system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the countertop extension system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the countertop extension system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the countertop extension system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the countertop extension system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the countertop extension system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to trays and more particularly to a countertop extension system as used to improve countertop space at a bar.

Generally, the present invention provides users with a restaurant device capable of extending his/her eating surface over a bar rail to a position more proximate the patron, thereby preventing food from falling onto the bar, bar rail, or a patron's clothing. Further, the present invention effectively eliminates the need for a customer to constantly lean over the bar in order to conveniently put food or drink in their mouth. The device includes a short rear leg to grip the rear lip of the bar counter and a long, front-facing leg to hold the tray up against the outer edge of the bar top. The present invention offers a simple and convenient method of making eating and drinking at a bar more sanitary, reducing the amount of cleanup needed once a customer is finished eating/drinking.

Countertop extension system is a tavern bar top counter extender designed to offer ease and convenience when a customer is eating or drinking at the bar. The device is preferably comprised of a rectangular tray with two attached legs: a short leg and a long leg. The short rear leg is used to grip the rear lip of the bar counter while the long front leg holds the tray up against the outer edge of the bar top. The device is placed directly on the bar countertop and offers a stable eating and drinking space for the customer. Patrons can utilize the device to safely transfer food from their plate to their mouth without worrying of damaging their clothing. Countertop extension system can be constructed using wood and other suitable materials. The device may measure approximately 13″ in length and 9″ in width and it may be finished with the same varnish as a bar top.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a countertop extension system 100. FIG. 1 shows a countertop extension system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the countertop extension system 100 may include a countertop extension assembly 110 including a tray portion 114 having a top surface 118 and a bottom surface 122 (relatively speaking as found in in-use condition 150), a first-leg 124, and a second-leg 126. The countertop extension system 100 comprises the countertop extension assembly 110. The countertop extension assembly 110 comprises the tray portion 114, the first-leg 124, and the second-leg 126 in functional combination. The tray portion 114 is substantially planar and comprises a rectangular-shaped body. In other embodiments, the body may comprise other suitable shapes and sizes. In a preferred embodiment, the tray portion 114 may comprise rounded-edges, a length of approximately 13 inches, and a width of approximately 9 inches.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the countertop extension system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the countertop extension system 100 may include a countertop extension assembly 110 including a tray portion 114, a first-leg 124, and a second-leg 126. The first-leg 124 is located at a rear on the bottom surface 122 of the tray portion 114 and comprises a greater height than the second-leg 126 configured to grip an outer edge of a bar counter 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The first-leg 124 and second-leg 126 comprise a rectangular prism shaped structure. The second-leg 126 is located at a front on the bottom surface 122 of the tray portion 114 and comprises a height greater than the inner edge of the bar counter 10 configured to grip an inner edge of the bar counter 10. In a preferred embodiment, the first-leg 124 and the second-leg 126 are inset from an outer perimeter of the tray portion 114. However, in other embodiments the first-leg 124 and the second-leg 126 may be flush with the outer perimeter of the tray portion 114. The first-leg 124 and the second leg 126 are preferably parallel to one another.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the countertop extension system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the countertop extension system 100 may include a tray portion 114 having a top surface 118 and a bottom surface 122, a first-leg 124, and a second-leg 126. The tray portion 114, the first-leg 124, and the second-leg 126 comprise a material preferably selected from the group consisting of wood and plastic. The present invention may comprise wood and be stained to match the bar counter 10. The tray portion 114 is configured to be positioned on the bar counter 10 during an in-use condition for providing a countertop extension system 100 for a user.

FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of the countertop extension system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the countertop extension system 100 may include a countertop extension assembly 110 which maintains a planar position parallel to the bar counter 10 during the in-use condition. The top surface 118 of the tray portion 114 is configured as a dinnerware and utensil setting support. The countertop extension assembly 110 when positioned during the in-use condition occupies a plane above the bar counter 10. The tray portion 114 when positioned during the in-use condition extends towards the user (does not extend dynamically, but rather leaves the dinnerware and the utensil setting at a position more proximate the patron) allowing for use of the dinnerware and the utensil setting. The present invention effectively eliminates the need for the user to constantly lean over the bar in order to conveniently put food or drink in their mouth.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the countertop extension system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the countertop extension system 100 may include a tray portion 114 having a top surface 118 and a bottom surface 122, a first-leg 124, and a second-leg 126. The device may be placed directly on the bar counter 10 and offer a stable eating and drinking space for the user. Patrons can utilize the device to safely transfer food from their plate to their mouth without worries of damaging their clothing. Countertop extension system 100 may be constructed using wood and other suitable materials. The device may measure approximately 13″ in length and 9″ in width and it may be finished with the same varnish as a bar top for aesthetic appeal.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A countertop extension system comprising: a countertop extension assembly including; a tray portion having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first-leg; and a second-leg; wherein said countertop extension system comprises said countertop extension assembly; wherein said countertop extension assembly comprises said tray portion, said first-leg, and said second-leg in functional combination; wherein said tray portion is substantially planar and comprises a rectangular-shaped body; wherein said first-leg comprises a greater height than said second-leg; wherein said first-leg is located at a rear on said bottom surface of said tray portion configured to grip an outer edge of a bar counter; wherein said second-leg is located at a front on said bottom surface of said tray portion configured to grip an inner edge of said bar counter; and wherein said tray portion configured to be positioned on said bar counter during an in-use condition for providing a countertop extension system for a user.
 2. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said first-leg comprises a rectangular prism shaped structure.
 3. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said second-leg comprises rectangular prism shaped structure.
 4. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said tray portion comprises a length of approximately 13 inches.
 5. The countertop extension system of claim 4, wherein said tray portion comprises a width of approximately 9 inches.
 6. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said tray portion, said first-leg, and said second-leg comprise a material selected from the group consisting of wood and plastic.
 7. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said tray portion comprises rounded-edges.
 8. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said tray portion comprises a non-rectangular-shaped body.
 9. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said first-leg and said second-leg are inset from an outer perimeter of said tray portion.
 10. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said first-leg and said second-leg are flush about said outer perimeter of said tray portion.
 11. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said countertop extension assembly maintains a planar position parallel to said bar counter during said in-use condition.
 12. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said top surface of said tray portion is configured as a dinnerware and utensil setting support.
 13. The countertop extension system of claim 11, wherein said countertop extension assembly when positioned during said in-use condition occupies a plane above said bar counter.
 14. The countertop extension system of claim 12, wherein said tray portion when positioned during said in-use condition extends towards said user allowing for use of said dinnerware and said utensil setting.
 15. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said first-leg and said second leg are parallel to one another.
 16. The countertop extension system of claim 1, wherein said second-leg comprises a height greater than said inner edge of said bar counter.
 17. A countertop extension system comprising: a countertop extension assembly including; a tray portion having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first-leg; and a second-leg; wherein said countertop extension system comprises said countertop extension assembly; wherein said countertop extension assembly comprises said tray portion, said first-leg, and said second-leg in functional combination; wherein said tray portion is substantially planar and comprises a rectangular-shaped body; wherein said tray portion comprises rounded-edges; wherein said tray portion comprises a length of approximately 13 inches; wherein said tray portion comprises a width of approximately 9 inches; wherein said first-leg comprises a greater height than said second-leg; wherein said first-leg is located at a rear on said bottom surface of said tray portion configured to grip an outer edge of a bar counter; wherein said first-leg comprises a rectangular prism shaped structure; wherein said second-leg is located at a front on said bottom surface of said tray portion configured to grip an inner edge of said bar counter; wherein said second-leg comprises a height greater than said inner edge of said bar counter; wherein said second-leg comprises rectangular prism shaped structure; wherein said first-leg and said second-leg are inset from an outer perimeter of said tray portion; wherein said first-leg and said second leg are parallel to one another; wherein said tray portion configured to be positioned on said bar counter during an in-use condition for providing a countertop extension system for a user; wherein said countertop extension assembly maintains a planar position parallel to said bar counter during said in-use condition; wherein said top surface of said tray portion is configured as a dinnerware and utensil setting support; wherein said countertop extension assembly when positioned during said in-use condition occupies a plane above said bar counter; and wherein said tray portion when positioned during said in-use condition extends towards said user allowing for use of said dinnerware and said utensil setting. 